SATV, Kathmandu, Jun. 24 - The Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) has launched a community film festival titled ‘Tole Tole Ma Film Mahotsav,’ which is currently being held across different locations in the city throughout the Nepali month of Asar.
The festival began on June 19 at Khula Manch with the screening of three short films including Nanda directed by Aman Shahi, ‘Sawari Sahitya’ directed by Taranga, and Penguin Revolution directed by Ishan Bhusal. The films were made available in collaboration with the Kathmandu Mountain International Film Festival (KIMFF).
According to KMC, the festival will continue every Friday and Saturday, featuring screenings, discussions on cinema and creative industries, cultural performances, and community activities.
According to KMC, traditional local food items will also be showcased during the events.
The short films being screened have been collected in partnership with organisations including the Film Development Board, British Council Nepal, UNESCO, Kathmandu Mountain International Film Festival, and Nepal Film Academy.
Local organisations, which were selected through an open call, are managing the event logistics, while KMC is handling technical arrangements.
As part of the festival, the Nepali feature film ‘Elephant in the Fog,’ which won the Jury Prize and Best Sound Creation Award in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival, is being honoured with a cash prize of Rs. 1 million.
KMC said the award aims to recognise the contributions of filmmakers and technicians who have helped raise Nepal’s profile in international cinema.
KMC noted that both Kathmandu and Cannes are members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network under the film category, highlighting the shared cultural importance of cinema.
The festival has already been held at Khula Manch, co-hosted by Echoes in the Valley, on June 19, and at Ason, organised by Nila: Cultural Club, on June 20.
According to KMC, the upcoming events will take place at Bagbazaar co-hosted by Nirnaya Nepal, on June 26; at Sundhara hosted by Lujah Newa Sanskritik Pucha: on June 27 and at Maitidevi Temple open ground organised by Maitidevi United Club on July 3.
Likewise, Nhugu Pala: Sanskritik Misa Pucha: will host the festival at Lagantole on July 4, Yenka Pucha: will organise an event at the Balaju Bypass area on July 10, and Yatkha Bahal, Bhaskar Kirti Mahabihar - Nepalbhasa Syanekane Foundation, will host the event on July 11.
